ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Georgia freshman cornerback Rico Johnson will have to give up football because of a neurological condition.

The school announced Thursday that Johnson had problems in practice this week and underwent a medical evaluation. Doctors found that Johnson risked a permanent spinal cord injury if he continued to play contact sports.

Head trainer Ron Courson says it’s fortunate the condition was discovered before Johnson sustained a “possible catastrophic injury,” and that he still should be able to have “a normal life.”

Georgia coach Mark Richt says Johnson will remain on scholarship through his graduation. The 5-foot-11, 174-pounder played in Georgia’s first four games and was credited with five tackles.